We get a listener question from Shannon, who twirls her hair for up to five hours a day and wishes she could stop!

What are the commonalities between OCD and and Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors?

Why is it mostly women who exhibit these behaviors?

Why is it tricky to rock a rhyme that's right on time?

And when did Laura stop sucking her thumb?

These questions and more are answered on this week's episode of My Sister's A Therapist!

References:

Mayo Clinic: Trichotillomania definition

DSM-5: Criteria for Trichotillomania (Hair-Pulling Disorder) and Excoriation (Skin-Picking Disorder)

University of Oxford: Body focused repetitive behaviours (BFRBs)

Is Twirling Your Hair as a Habit a Symptom of an Underlying Condition?: Kathryn Watson

Who is at risk for trichotillomania?

Trait anger, anger expression, and anger control in trichotillomania: Evidence for the emotion regulation model: Erin E. Curley , Esther S. Tung , Nancy J. Keuthen

Mayo Clinic: Medications for Trichotillomania

OCD*obsessive/compulsive disorder* therapy for OCD*OCD symptoms* OCD treatment*Intrusive thoughts, compulsions, rituals, perfectionism*Cognitive behavioral therapy*CBT*Anxiety, depression, mental health support, therapy*sisters*LMFT*comedian*Virginia Jones*Laura Ryan

My Sister's A Therapist is dropping a special New Year's Eve episode- where do NYE traditions come from? What is the purpose of superstition?

References:

The History of New Year’s Eve

35 Crazy New Year’s Eve Celebrations Throughout History: The History Collection

The psychology of superstition, with Stuart Vyse, PhD: Speaking of Psychology Podcast: Kim Mills

How superstitions may relieve anxiety: Ana Sandoiu

Why does grudge holding feel so good, if it's so bad for you? The sisters discuss the benefits of letting it go.